Systems and Methods for Controlling Rope

ABSTRACT

A rope control device a main body defining a central opening and first and second side portions, projections extending from the main body, an end recess defined by the first and second projections, an end friction surface formed at a juncture of a projection and the main body, and a bar. With the bar in a first position, the first rope portion is extended through the central opening and at least partly around the bar. With the bar in a second position, the main body and the bar define first and second opening portions of the central opening and the first rope portion is extended through the first and second opening portions and at least partly around the bar. The second rope portion is arranged within the first end recess such that, when the rope is under tension, the second rope portion frictionally engages the first end friction surface.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application, (Attorney's Ref. P219286) is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 15/250,747 filed Aug. 29, 2016, currentlypending.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/250,747 is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/918,374 filed Oct. 20, 2015, now U.S.Pat. No. 9,428,371, which issued on Aug. 30, 2016.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/918,374 is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/953,637 filed Jul. 29, 2013, now U.S.Pat. No. 9,162,086 which issued on Oct. 20, 2015.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/953,637 is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/004,777 filed Jan. 11, 2011, now U.S.Pat. No. 8,495,800 which issued on Jul. 30, 2013.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/004,777 is a continuation-in-part ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/689,912 filed Jan. 19, 2010, nowU.S. Pat. No. 7,866,634 which issued on Jan. 11, 2011.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/689,912 is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/999,274 filed Dec. 4, 2007, now U.S. Pat.No. 7,648,126 which issued on Jan. 19, 2010.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/999,274 claims benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/873,230 filed Dec. 5, 2006,now expired.

The contents of all related applications listed above are incorporatedherein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to systems and methods for controllingrope and, more particularly, to rope control assemblies that allow ropeto be played out under control while under loads.

BACKGROUND

Ropes are an essential part of a wide variety of activities related tohealth and safety, law enforcement recreation, and construction. Inparticular, the need often exists for a user to use a rope to controlthe movement of one object (hereinafter the load) relative to anotherobject (hereinafter the anchor point).

Typically, but not necessarily, the anchor point is a fixed location ona structural member such as a tree, building, or the like, and the loadis moved relative to the anchor point. However, the anchor point may beformed on a movable object such as a helicopter or ship. The load cantake many different forms such as supplies, equipment, an injuredperson, and/or, in the case of rappelling, the person using the rope.

The construction and use of general purpose rope rigging devices such astackle blocks, belay devices, ascenders, carabiners, and pulleys arewell-known. In addition, numerous rigging devices have been developedspecifically to facilitate the use of ropes to control movement of aload relative to an anchor point.

The need exists for lightweight and reliable rope control devices thatmay be used easily, flexibly, and in a variety of configurations tocontrol movement of a rope to allow a load to be moved relative to ananchor point.

RELATED ART

The Applicant is aware of the following rope control devices that arecurrently available in the marketplace.

A product that may be referred to as a “FIG. 8 Plate” is a flat platedefining first, second, and third holes arranged in a line in that orderfrom a first end towards a second end along a longitudinal axis. Thesecond hole is the smallest, and the third hole is the largest. Firstand second rounded lateral projections extend outwardly from each sideof the plate adjacent to the third hole. A rope is passed through one ormore of the holes and around one or more of the lateral projections toallow movement of the rope to be controlled using friction between thedevice and the rope.

A class of devices known as “Brake Racks” is also known in the art.These devices generally comprise an external frame formed by a U-shapedpiece of metal that defines first and second legs and one or morecross-bars that can be pivoted about the first leg of the frame into alocked or unlocked position relative to the second leg of the frame. Oneexample of a brake rack is sold by the Applicant under the tradename“Conterra Hyper 2.”

SUMMARY

The present invention may be embodied as a rope control device forcontrolling a rope defining a first rope end, a second rope end, andfirst and second rope portions between the first and second rope ends.The rope control device comprises a main body, first and secondprojections, a first end recess, a first end friction surface, and abar. The main body defines a central opening and first and second sideportions. The first and second projections extending from the main body.The first end recess is defined by the first and second projections. Thefirst end friction surface is formed at a juncture of the firstprojection and the main body. The first side portion supports the barfor movement between a first position in which the bar is not in contactthe second side portion and a second position in which the bar is incontact with the second side portion. When the bar is arranged in thefirst position, the first rope portion is extended through the centralopening and at least partly around the bar. When the bar is arranged inthe second position, the main body and the bar define first and secondopening portions of the central opening and the first rope portion isextended through the first and second opening portions and at leastpartly around the bar. The second rope portion is arranged within thefirst end recess such that, when the rope is under tension, the secondrope portion frictionally engages the first end friction surface.

The present invention may also be embodied as a rope control device forcontrolling a rope defining a first rope end, a second rope end, andfirst and second rope portions between the first and second rope ends,the rope control system comprising a main body, first, second, third,and fourth projections, a first end recess, a first end frictionsurface, and a bar. The main body defines a central opening. The firstand second projections generally extend in a first direction. The thirdand fourth projections generally extend in a second direction, where thesecond direction is opposite the first direction. The first end recessis defined by the first and second projections. The first end frictionsurface is formed within the first end recess at a juncture of the firstprojection and the main body. The bar is supported by the main body thebar for movement between a first position in which the bar engages themain body at one location and a second position in which the bar engagesthe main body at two locations to divide the central opening into firstsecond opening portions. The bar is arranged in the first position toallow the first rope portion to be extended through the central openingand at least partly around the bar. The bar is arranged in the secondposition with the first rope portion extending through the first andsecond opening portions and at least partly around the bar. The secondrope portion is arranged within the first end recess such that, when therope is under tension, the second rope portion frictionally engages thefirst end friction surface.

The present invention may also be embodied as a rope control device forcontrolling a rope defining a first rope end, a second rope end, andfirst and second rope portions between the first and second rope ends,the rope control system comprising a main body, first and secondprojections, a first end recess, a first end friction surface, and abar. The main body defines a longitudinal axis, a central opening, andfirst and second side portions. The first and second projectionsextending from the main body. Each of the first and second projectionsdefines an intermediate portion and an end portion, the intermediateportions are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, and eachof the end portions extends from one of the intermediate portions and isangled towards the longitudinal axis. The first end recess is defined bythe first and second projections. The first end friction surface isformed within the first end recess at a juncture of the first projectionand the main body. The first side portion pivotably supports the bar formovement between a first position in which the bar is not in contact thesecond side portion and a second position in which the bar is in contactwith the second side portion. The bar is arranged in the first positionto allow the first rope portion to be extended through the centralopening and at least partly around the bar. The bar is arranged in thesecond position such that the main body and the bar define first andsecond opening portions of the central opening and the first ropeportion extends through the first and second opening portions and atleast partly around the bar. The second rope portion is passed throughthe first end recess such that, when the rope is under tension, thesecond rope portion frictionally engages the first end friction surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first example rope control device ofthe present invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a second example rope control device of thepresent invention;

FIG. 3 is a section view taken along lines 3-3 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a partial section view similar to that of FIG. 3 illustratingthe assembly of a bar part relative to a main part to obtain a ropecontrol device as depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a partial section view illustrating movement of bar partrelative to the main part of a rope control device as depicted in FIG.1;

FIGS. 6-12 illustrate a plurality of methods of use of a rope controldevice as depicted in FIG. 1 to control movement of a rope structure;

FIGS. 13-14 depict a first use configuration of using a rope controldevice as depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 15 schematically depicts the first use configuration of using arope control device as depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 16 schematically depicts a second use configuration of using a ropecontrol device as depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 17 schematically depicts a third use configuration of using a ropecontrol device as depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 18 schematically depicts a fourth use configuration of using a ropecontrol device as depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 19 depicts a fifth use configuration of using a rope control deviceas depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 20 is a first perspective view of a third example rope controldevice of the present invention;

FIG. 21 is a top plan view of the third example rope control device ofthe present invention;

FIG. 22 is a second perspective view of the third example rope controldevice of the present invention;

FIG. 23 is a section view of the third example rope control device ofFIGS. 20-22;

FIG. 24 is a top plan view of a fourth example rope control device ofthe present invention;

FIG. 25 is an exploded, top plan view of the fourth example rope controldevice;

FIG. 26 is an elevation view of a side member of the fourth example ropecontrol device;

FIG. 27 is an elevation view of a bar part of the fourth example ropecontrol device; and

FIG. 28 is a top plan view of a fifth example rope control device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring initially to FIG. 1 of the drawing, depicted at 20 therein isa rope control device constructed in accordance with, and embodying, theprinciples of the present invention. The rope control device 20 is anassembly comprising a main part 22 and a bar part 24. As shown in FIG. 5of the drawing, the bar part 24 is pivotably connected to the main part22 for movement into and out of an engaged position (broken lines inFIG. 5).

The example main part 22 is a rigid member comprising a central portion30 defining a central opening 32. The main part 22 further comprisesfirst, second, third, and fourth projection portions 34 a, 34 b, 34 c,and 34 d extending from the central portion 30. The first and secondprojection portions 34 a and 34 b define a first end recess 36 a, whilethe third and fourth projection portions 34 c and 34 d define a secondend recess 36 b.

The example central portion 30 comprises first and second side portions40 a and 40 b and first and second end portions 42 a and 42 b. The sideportions 40 a and 40 b are generally straight and parallel, and the endportions 42 a and 42 b form a bridge between the side portions 40 a and40 b. The side portions 40 a and 40 b are joined to the end portions 42a and 42 b at first, second, third, and fourth juncture portions 44 a,44 b, 44 c, and 44 d. As shown in FIG. 2, friction surfaces 46 a, 46 b,46 c, and 46 d are formed within the end recesses 36 a and 36 b at thejunctures between the projection portions 34 and the end portions 42 aand 42 b. The example central portion 30 is symmetrical about alongitudinal axis A (FIG. 2).

The projection portions 34 extend from the central portion 30 at thejuncture portions 44, respectively. Each of the projection portions 34defines a proximal portion 50, an intermediate portion 52, and a distalportion 54. The proximal portions 50 extend away from the junctureportions 44 at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis A. Theintermediate portions 52 extend at an angle relative to the proximalportions 50 and are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A.The distal portions 54 extend at an angle relative to the intermediateportions 52 and also at an angle inwards towards the longitudinal axisA.

Each of the end recesses 36 defined by the projection portions 34defines an inlet portion 60, a main portion 62, and first and secondlateral portions 64 and 66. The inlet portions 60 extend between tips ofthe distal portions 54 of projection portions 34, while the mainportions 62 are located between the inlet portions 60 and the endportions 42 of the central portion 30. The lateral portions 64 and 66 ofthe end recesses 36 are formed on either side of the main portion 62 andare bounded on three sides by the projection portions 34. The frictionsurfaces 46 lie within the lateral portions 64 or 66 of the end recesses36.

In the example rope control device 20, inner surfaces of theintermediate portions 52 are in line with outer surfaces of the sideportions 40 of the central portion 30 of the main part 22. The exampledistal portions 54, the lateral portions 64 or 66 of the end recesses36, and the friction surfaces 46 are along a line spaced from andparallel the axis A. The distal portions 54 thus extend over thefriction surfaces 46 when the main part 22 is viewed along thelongitudinal axis A.

In addition, the friction surfaces 46 are curved towards the lateralportions 64 or 66. The radius of curvature of the example frictionsurfaces 46 is not constant, and the friction surfaces 46 generally takethe form of a V-shape.

As shown for example in FIGS. 3-5, the basic shape of thecross-sectional area of the main part 22 is rectangular or square withrounded corners. However, as perhaps best shown in FIGS. 1 and 3-5,flutes or grooves 68 a and 68 b are formed along at least part of theexample main part 22. In particular, FIG. 1 illustrates that the exampleflute 68 a extends along surfaces of the second side portion 40 b andthe second and third projection portions 34 b and 34 c. The groove 68 b(not visible in FIG. 1) similarly extends along the first side portion40 a and the first and fourth projection portions 34 a and 34 d.

Referring again to FIGS. 3-5, the example grooves 68 a and 68 b extendapproximately to the center of the first and second side portions 40 aand 40 b. The grooves 68 a and 68 b should remove a first range ofapproximately 12-20% of the cross-sectional area of at least a portionof the part 22 or a second range of approximately 10-25% of thecross-sectional area of a least a portion of the part 22. The examplegrooves 68 a and 68 b remove approximately 16% of the cross-sectionalarea of each of the first, second, third, and fourth projection portions34 a, 34 b, 34 c, and 34 d and the first and second side portions 40 aand 40 b of the part 22. The example grooves 68 a and 68 b are alsoformed on outward facing surfaces of the projection portions 34 a, 34 b,34 c, and 34 d and the side portions 40 a and 40 b of the part 22.

The flutes or grooves 68 reduce the weight of the part 22. Inparticular, the grooves 68 should be sized and dimensioned to reduce theweight of the part 22 without compromising the ability of the part 22 towithstand the loads to which it will be subjected. Additionally, as willbe described in further detail below, the part is designed to be used inconjunction with a rope. Friction between such a rope and the part 22can cause heat to build up within the part 22. This stored heat candegrade the function of the rope under certain circumstances. Theexample flutes or grooves 68 facilitate the dissipation of heat energystored within the part 22 by increasing the surface area of the part 22that is exposed to ambient air. Also, the example flutes or grooves 68are formed on surfaces of the part 22 that are not likely to come intocontact with the rope, thereby reducing the likelihood that the part 22will abrade the rope.

As perhaps best shown in FIG. 4, the example bar part 24 is an assemblycomprising a bar member 70 and a cap member 72. The bar member 70defines a bar chamber 74. A first threaded portion 76 is formed on thebar member 70, and a second threaded portion 78 is formed on the capmember 72. The bar member 70 and cap member 72 are joined together toform the bar part 24 by engagement of the first and second threadedportions 76 and 78.

The bar member 70 defines first and second end surfaces 80 and 82, anintermediate surface 84, and first and second notches 86 and 88. Thediameter of the example end surfaces 80 and 82 are slightly larger thanthat of the intermediate surface 84. The diameter of the exampleintermediate surface 84 is smaller at its end portions (adjacent to theend surfaces 80 and 82) than at its central portion between its endportions.

The first notch 86 terminates in the first threaded portion 76 suchthat, when the cap member 72 is secured to the bar member 70, the firstnotch 86 is closed to define an opening in the bar part 24. The secondnotch 88 terminates in the second end surface 82 and the intermediatesurface 84 and is spaced from the first notch 86 a distancesubstantially equal to the distance between the side portions 40 a and40 b of the central portion of the main part 22.

As shown in FIGS. 3-5, the first side portion 40 a is placed in thefirst notch 86 of the bar member 70 and the cap member 72 is threadedonto the bar member to capture the first side portion 40 a within theopening in the bar member 70 defined by the first notch 86. The bar part24 thus is capable of pivoting relative to the main part 22 about apivot axis B defined by the first side portion 40 a.

When the bar part 24 is in a closed position relative to the main part22 (FIGS. 1-4 and broken lines in FIG. 5), the second side portion 40 bof the main part 22 is received within second notch 88. When the barpart 24 is rotated about the pivot axis B out of the closed positionrelative to the main part 22 (solid lines in FIG. 5), the second sideportion 40 b is no longer received within the second notch 88.

When the bar part 24 is in the closed position, the bar part 24 dividesthe central opening of the main part 22 into first and second openingportions 90 and 92. The bar part 24 may be slid along main part towardsand away from the end portions 42 a and 42 b to change thecross-sectional areas of the opening portions 90 and 92 (e.g., portion90 has a larger cross-sectional area than portion 90 in FIG. 1).

The main part 22 and bar part 24 may be made of one or more of aluminum,titanium, stainless steel, plastic, composites, and/or combinationsthereof. Selection of an appropriate material will be made for aparticular market and/or operating environment based on factors such ascost, strength, heat dissipation, wear resistance, corrosion resistance,and weight.

The rope control device 20 may be used in a variety ways to control theplaying out of one or more ropes while the rope or ropes are underloads. Referring now to FIGS. 6-11 of the drawing, a number of methodsof using the rope control device 20 to control movement of a singleprimary rope 120 are depicted.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate that control of the rope 120 under light loadsmay be performed using the rope control device 20 by passing the primaryrope 120 through the first and second opening portions 90 and 92 andaround the bar part 24. Typically, as shown by the example depicted inFIG. 13, a distal end 122 of the rope 120 is secured to a structuralpoint 124 and a load (not shown) is connected to the rope control device120 by a clip 126 and fixed rope 128. The connections to the structuralpoint 124 and the load can take forms other than those depicted in FIG.13.

If a free end 130 of the rope 120 is available, the bar part 24 may beplaced or left in the closed position relative to the main part 22 andthe free end 130 threaded through the first opening 90, around the barpart 24, and through the second opening 92. If, however, the free end130 is not adjacent to the rope control device 20, the bar part 24 maybe rotated out of the closed position and a first intermediate portion132 of the rope 120 may be looped around the bar part 24. The bar part24 may then be rotated back into the closed position to capture the rope120 within the first and second openings 90 and 92 as shown in FIGS. 6and 7. When the rope 120 is under loads, the first intermediate portion132 will be in contact with the intermediate surface 84 of the bar part24.

When the rope 120 is captured within the first and second openings 90and 92, a second intermediate portion 134 of the rope 120 may then beplaced into the first notch 36 a as shown in FIG. 7. When the rope 120is under loads, the second intermediate portion 134 will be in contactwith the second friction surface 46 b of the main part 22.

As described above, the friction surfaces 46 are curved towards thelateral portions 64 and 66. The curvature of these surfaces 46 increasesthe surface area of the main part 22 in contact with the rope 120 andthus the friction between these surfaces 46 and the rope 120. Inaddition, the general V-shape of the example friction surfaces 46 tendsto wedge or pinch the rope between the end portions 42 and theprojection portions 34 to further increase friction between the surfaces46 and the rope 120.

With the rope configured as shown in FIG. 7, pulling the free end 130 ina pull direction (shown by arrow P in FIG. 7) away from the rope controldevice 20 can move the load connected to the device 20 towards thestructural point to which the distal end 122 is connected.

The rope control device 20 will, however, typically be used to allow theload connected to the device 20 to be moved away from the structuralpoint 124 to which the distal end 122 is connected. For example, FIGS.13 and 14 illustrate the rope 120 being fed in a feed directionindicated by an arrow F (opposite the pull direction) towards the device20 to increase a distance between the structural point 124 and the ropecontrol device 20 and thus between the structural point 124 and theload. The distance d₁ in FIG. 13 is shorter than the distance d₂ in FIG.14 after the rope 120 has been fed in the direction of arrow F relativeto the rope control device 20.

Friction between first intermediate portion 132 of the rope 120 and theintermediate surface of the bar part 24 and between the secondintermediate portion 134 and the friction surface 46 b of the main part22 facilitates control of movement of the rope 120 relative to the ropecontrol device 20 and thus of movement of the load relative to thestructural point.

With larger loads, the friction between the rope 120 and the ropecontrol device 20 when configured as shown in FIG. 7 may be insufficientto allow a user to control movement of the rope 120 relative to the ropecontrol device 20. In this case, a third intermediate portion 136 of therope 120 may be placed into the second end recess 36 b and pulledagainst the third friction surface 46 c as generally shown in FIG. 8.

If the additional friction between the third portion 136 and the thirdfriction surface 46 c is still insufficient to control playing out ofthe rope 120 relative to the device 20, a fourth intermediate portion138 of the rope 120 may be placed into the first end recess 36 a andbrought against the first friction surface 46 a as shown in FIG. 9.

If the cumulative friction between the rope portions 132, 134, 136, and138 and the surfaces 84, 46 b, 46 c, and 46 a is still insufficient tocontrol movement of the rope 120 relative to the rope control device 20,a fifth intermediate portion 140 of the rope 120 may be placed into thesecond end recess 36 b and brought into contact with the fourth frictionsurface 46 d as shown in FIG. 10.

If the relationship of the rope 120 relative to the rope control device20 must be fixed in any of the positions depicted in FIGS. 7, 8, 9, or10, a twisted loop may be formed in the rope 120 and placed over anopposing one of the projection portions 34. For example, FIG. 11 depictsa sixth intermediate portion 142 being formed into a twisted loop anddrawn over the first projection portion 34 a to lock the rope 120relative to the device 20 in the position depicted in FIG. 10.

In any situation in which a portion of the rope 120 in inserted into anend recess 36, the projection portions 34 are configured such that thedistal portions 54 thereof inhibit inadvertent removal of the ropeportion from the end recess 36. The distal portions 54, which extendover the lateral portions 64 and 66 of the end recesses 36, as describedabove, engage the rope 120 to require a positive movement of the rope120 towards the inlet portion 60 of the recesses 36. The configurationsof the example projection portions 34 thus facilitate arrangement of therope portions against the friction surfaces when loads are not appliedto the rope to hold the rope portions against the friction surfaces 46.

FIG. 12 illustrates the use of the rope control device 20 to controlmovement of first and second ropes 150 and 152. Again, one or more ofdistal ends 154 and 156 of the ropes 150 and 152, respectively, aretypically fixed to one or more structural points and/or one or moreloads. A load may also be connected to the rope control device 20.

First intermediate portions 160 and 162 of the ropes 150 and 152,respectively, are arranged over the bar part 24 as described above withreference to FIG. 6. Second intermediate portions 164 and 166 of theropes 150 and 152, respectively, are placed into the first end recess 36a and drawn against the first and second friction surfaces 46 a and 46b, respectively. The ropes 150 and 152 may be used in tandem to controlmovement of a load relative to an anchor point by displacing free ends168 and 170 of the ropes 150 and/or 152 towards or away from the ropecontrol device 20.

FIGS. 15-18 schematically depict a number of environments in which therope control device 20 may be used. In FIG. 15, a person 220 displaces aload 222 relative to a anchor point 224. In FIG. 16, a person 230 formsthe load and displaces him or herself relative to a anchor point 232. InFIG. 17, a first person 240 and a second person 242 form the load, andthe first person 240 displaces both the first and second persons 240 and242 relative to a anchor point 244. In FIG. 18, a first person 250 in astretcher 252 is attended by a second person 254, and a third person 256displaces the first and second persons 250 and 254 relative to an anchorpoint 258.

The rope control device 20 may be used in configurations other thanthose described and depicted herein. As one example, depicted in FIG. 19is a configuration in which a rope 260 is used in conjunction with aclip 262 and the rope control device 20. A loop is formed in a firstintermediate portion 264 of the rope 260 and inserted through the firstopening 90 defined by the device 20. The loop formed by the firstintermediate portion is then retained by the clip 262. The weight of anyload applied to the clip 262 thus increases friction between the clip262 and the portion of the rope in contact with the clip 262.

The example main part 22 of the rope control device 20 is substantiallysymmetrical about the longitudinal axis A. The main part 22 is furthersubstantially symmetrical about a lateral axis C (FIG. 2) that isperpendicular to the longitudinal axis A and extends through the centerof gravity of the main part 22. While the main part 22 need not besymmetrical within the broader teachings of the present invention, asymmetrical main part 22 as described herein allows the rope controldevice 20 to be used without regard to end to end orientation.

Further, although FIGS. 6-19 depict certain example uses of the examplerope control device 20, the rope control device 20 can be used in otherconfigurations. For example, instead of fixing one end of the rope tothe anchor point and the rope control device 20 to the load, the end ofthe rope can be fixed relative to the load and the rope control devicecan be fixed relative to the anchor point.

Referring now to FIG. 20 of the drawing, depicted at 320 therein is athird example rope control device constructed in accordance with, andembodying, the principles of the present invention. The example ropecontrol device 320 is an assembly comprising a main part 322 and a barpart 324. As with the example rope control device 20 described above,the bar part 324 is pivotably connected to the main part 322 formovement into and out of an engaged position.

The example main part 322 is a rigid member comprising a central portion330 defining a central opening 332. The main part 322 further comprisesfirst, second, third, and fourth projection portions 334 a, 334 b, 334c, and 334 d extending from the central portion 330. The first andsecond projection portions 334 a and 34 b define a first end recess 336a, while the third and fourth projection portions 334 c and 334 d definea second end recess 336 b.

As perhaps best shown in FIG. 21, the example central portion 330comprises first and second side portions 340 a and 340 b and first andsecond end portions 342 a and 342 b. The side portions 340 a and 340 bare generally straight and parallel, and the end portions 342 a and 342b form a bridge between the side portions 340 a and 340 b. The sideportions 340 a and 340 b are joined to the end portions 342 a and 342 bat first, second, third, and fourth juncture portions 344 a, 344 b, 344c, and 344 d.

FIG. 21 further illustrates that friction surfaces 346 a, 346 b, 346 c,and 346 d are formed within the end recesses 336 a and 336 b at thejunctures between the projection portions 334 associated with the endrecesses 336 a and 336 b and the end portions 342 a and 342 b. As withthe example central portion 30 described above, the example centralportion 330 is symmetrical about a longitudinal axis A.

The projection portions 334 extend from the central portion 330 at thejuncture portions 344, respectively. Each of the projection portions 334defines a proximal portion 350, an intermediate portion 352, and adistal portion 354. The proximal portions 350 extend away from thejuncture portions 344 at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axisA. The intermediate portions 352 extend at an angle relative to theproximal portions 350 and are substantially parallel to the longitudinalaxis A. The distal portions 354 extend at an angle relative to theintermediate portions 352 and also at an angle inwards towards thelongitudinal axis A.

Each of the end recesses 336 a, 336 b defined by the adjacent pairs 334a, 334 b and 334 c, 344 d of projection portions, respectively, definesan inlet portion 360, a main portion 362, and first and second lateralportions 364 and 366. The inlet portions 360 extend between tips of thedistal portions 354 of projection portions 334, while the main portions362 are located between the inlet portions 360 and the end portions 342of the central portion 330. The lateral portions 364 and 366 of the endrecesses 336 are formed on either side of the main portion 362 and arebounded on three sides by the projection portions 334. The frictionsurfaces 346 lie within the lateral portions 364 or 366 of the endrecesses 336.

In the example rope control device 320, inner surfaces of theintermediate portions 352 are substantially in line with outer surfacesof the side portions 340 of the central portion 330 of the main part322. The example distal portions 354, the lateral portions 364 or 366 ofthe end recesses 336, and the friction surfaces 346 are substantiallyalong a line spaced from and parallel to the axis A. The distal portions354 thus extend over the friction surfaces 346 when the main part 322 isviewed along the longitudinal axis A.

In addition, the friction surfaces 346 are curved towards the lateralportions 364 or 366. The radius of curvature of the example frictionsurfaces 346 is not constant, and the friction surfaces 346 generallytake the form of a V-shape.

As shown for example in FIG. 23, the basic shape of the cross-sectionalarea of the main part 22 is rectangular or square with rounded corners.However, FIG. 23 shows that flutes or grooves 368 a and 368 b are formedalong at least part of the example main part 22. In particular, as withthe example rope control device 20, the example flute 368 a extendsalong surfaces of the second side portion 340 b and the second and thirdprojection portions 334 b and 334 c. The groove 368 b similarly extendsalong the first side portion 340 a and the first and fourth projectionportions 334 a and 334 d.

As shown in FIG. 23, the example grooves 368 a and 368 b extendapproximately to the center of the first and second side portions 340 aand 340 b. The grooves 368 a and 368 b should remove a first range ofapproximately 12-20% of the cross-sectional area of at least a portionof the part 322 or a second range of approximately 10-25% of thecross-sectional area of at least a portion of the part 322. The examplegrooves 368 a and 368 b remove approximately 316% of the cross-sectionalarea of each of the first, second, third, and fourth projection portions334 a, 334 b, 334 c, and 334 d and the first and second side portions340 a and 340 b of the part 322. The example grooves 368 a and 368 b arealso formed on outward facing surfaces of the projection portions 334 a,334 b, 334 c, and 334 d and the side portions 340 a and 340 b of thepart 322.

The flutes or grooves 368 reduce the weight of the part 322. Inparticular, the grooves 368 should be sized and dimensioned to reducethe weight of the part 322 without compromising the ability of the part322 to withstand the loads to which it will be subjected. Additionally,as will be described in further detail below, the part is designed to beused in conjunction with a rope. Friction between such a rope and thepart 322 can cause heat to build up within the part 322. This storedheat can degrade the function of the rope under certain circumstances.The example flutes or grooves 368 facilitate the dissipation of heatenergy stored within the part 322 by increasing the surface area of thepart 322 that is exposed to ambient air. Also, the example flutes orgrooves 368 are formed on surfaces of the part 322 that are not likelyto come into contact with the rope, thereby reducing the likelihood thatthe part 322 will abrade the rope.

As perhaps best shown in FIG. 23, the example bar part 324 is anassembly comprising a bar member 370 and a cap member 372. The bar part324 may, however, be formed using a single part that is deformed and/orwelded or braised to engage the side portion 340 a as generallydescribed herein. The bar part 32 may also be formed of two pieces thatare welded or braised together to form a single part that engages theside portion 340 a as described herein.

The example bar member 370 defines a bar chamber 374. FIG. 23illustrates that a thickness t of the example bar member 370 issubstantially uniform. This thickness t is determined to allow the barpart 324 to perform the structural functions necessary for properoperation of the rope control device 320. However, the thickness of thebar member 370 should be minimized to minimize overall weight of thedevice 320. Additionally, minimizing the thickness t of the bar member370 facilitates dissipation of heat within the bar part 324 during useof the rope control device 320.

A first threaded portion 376 is formed on the bar member 370, and asecond threaded portion 378 is formed on the cap member 372. The barmember 370 and cap member 372 are joined together to form the bar part324 by engagement of the first and second threaded portions 376 and 378.

The bar member 370 defines first and second end surfaces 380 and 382, anintermediate surface 384, and first and second notches 386 and 388. Thediameter of the example end surfaces 380 and 382 are slightly largerthan that of the intermediate surface 384. The diameter of the exampleintermediate surface 384 is smaller at its end portions (adjacent to theend surfaces 380 and 382) than at its central portion between its endportions.

The first notch 386 terminates in the first threaded portion 376 suchthat, when the cap member 372 is secured to the bar member 370, thefirst notch 386 is closed to define an opening in the bar part 324. Thesecond notch 388 terminates in the second end surface 382 and theintermediate surface 384 and is spaced from the first notch 386 adistance substantially equal to the distance between the side portions340 a and 340 b of the central portion of the main part 322.

The example rope control device 320 is used in a manner similar to thatof the example rope control device 20 described above. In particular,the first side portion 340 a is placed in the first notch 386 of the barmember 370 and the cap member 372 is threaded onto the bar member tocapture the first side portion 340 a within the opening in the barmember 370 defined by the first notch 386. The bar part 324 thus iscapable of pivoting relative to the main part 322 about a pivot axis B(FIG. 23) defined by the first side portion 340 a.

When the bar part 324 is in a closed position relative to the main part322, the second side portion 340 b of the main part 322 is receivedwithin second notch 388. When the bar part 324 is rotated about thepivot axis B out of the closed position relative to the main part 322,the second side portion 340 b is no longer received within the secondnotch 388.

When the bar part 324 is in the closed position, the bar part 324divides the central opening of the main part 322 into first and secondopening portions 390 and 392. The bar part 324 may be slid along themain part towards and away from the end portions 342 a and 342 b tochange the cross-sectional areas of the opening portions 390 and 392.

The cap member 372 of the example rope control device 320 defines a holeor opening 394 as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23. The opening 394 allows airto flow through the bar chamber 374 to facilitate cooling of the barpart 324 during use of the rope control device 320 as described herein.In the example bar part 324, the example opening 394 is substantiallycircular and has substantially the same diameter as the bar chamber 374at the end of the bar part 370.

The main part 322 and bar part 324 may be made of one or more ofaluminum, titanium, stainless steel, plastic, composites, and/orcombinations thereof. Selection of an appropriate material will be madefor a particular market and/or operating environment based on factorssuch as cost, strength, heat dissipation, wear resistance, corrosionresistance, and weight.

As with the rope control device 20 described above, the rope controldevice 320 may be used in a variety ways to control the playing out ofone or more ropes while the rope or ropes are under loads. Inparticular, the methods depicted in FIGS. 6-11 of the drawing may alsobe applied to the rope control device 320.

Referring now to FIGS. 24-27 of the drawing, depicted at 420 therein isa rope control device constructed in accordance with, and embodying, theprinciples of the present invention. The rope control device 420 is anassembly comprising a main part 422 and a bar part 424. Like the barpart 24 described above, the bar part 424 is pivotably connected to themain part 422 for movement into and out of an engaged position.

The example main part 422 is an assembly comprising a central portion430 defining a central opening 432. The main part 422 further comprisesfirst, second, third, and fourth projection portions 434 a, 434 b, 434c, and 434 d extending from the central portion 430. The first andsecond projection portions 434 a and 434 b define a first end recess 436a, while the third and fourth projection portions 434 c and 434 d definea second end recess 436 b.

The example central portion 430 comprises first and second side portions440 a and 440 b and first and second end portions 442 a and 442 b. Theside portions 440 a and 440 b are generally straight and parallel, andthe end portions 442 a and 442 b form a bridge between the side portions440 a and 440 b. The side portions 440 a and 440 b are joined to the endportions 442 a and 442 b at first, second, third, and fourth junctureportions 444 a, 444 b, 444 c, and 444 d. As shown in FIG. 24, frictionsurfaces 446 a, 446 b, 446 c, and 446 d are formed within the endrecesses 436 a and 436 b at the junctures between the projectionportions 434 and the end portions 442 a and 442 b. The example centralportion 430 is symmetrical about a longitudinal axis A.

The projection portions 434 extend from the central portion 430 at thejuncture portions 444, respectively. Each of the projection portions 434defines a proximal portion 450, an intermediate portion 452, and adistal portion 454. The proximal portions 450 extend away from thejuncture portions 444 at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axisA. The intermediate portions 452 extend at an angle relative to theproximal portions 450 and are substantially parallel to the longitudinalaxis A. The distal portions 454 extend at an angle relative to theintermediate portions 452 and also at an angle inwards towards thelongitudinal axis A.

Each of the end recesses 436 defined by the projection portions 434defines an inlet portion 460, a main portion 462, and first and secondlateral portions 464 and 466. The inlet portions 460 extend between tipsof the distal portions 454 of projection portions 434, while the mainportions 462 are located between the inlet portions 460 and the endportions 442 of the central portion 430. The lateral portions 464 and466 of the end recesses 436 are formed on either side of the mainportion 462 and are bounded on three sides by the projection portions434. The friction surfaces 446 lie within the lateral portions 464 or466 of the end recesses 436.

In the example rope control device 420, inner surfaces of theintermediate portions 452 are in line with outer surfaces of the sideportions 440 of the central portion 430 of the main part 422. Theexample distal portions 454, the lateral portions 464 or 466 of the endrecesses 436, and the friction surfaces 46 are along a line spaced fromand parallel to the axis A. The distal portions 454 thus extend over thefriction surfaces 46 when the main part 422 is viewed along thelongitudinal axis A.

In addition, the friction surfaces 46 are curved towards the lateralportions 464 or 466. The radius of curvature of the example frictionsurfaces 46 is not constant, and the friction surfaces 46 generally takethe form of a V-shape.

As perhaps best shown in FIG. 25, the main part 422 is an assembly offour different parts, while FIGS. 25 and 27 illustrate that the examplebar part 424 is an integral part and not an assembly of parts.

In particular, the main part 422 defines first and second end members470 and 472 and first and second side members 474 and 476. The first endmember 470 defines first and second threaded cavities 470 a and 470 b,while the second end member 472 defines third and fourth threadedcavities 472 a and 472 b. The first side member 474 defines first andsecond threaded ends 474 a and 474 b, while the second side member 476defines third and fourth threaded ends 476 a and 476 b. The threading ofthe opposite ends of the side members 474 and 476 are turned in oppositedirections so that the end members 470 and 472 may be held in place andthe side members rotated to thread the ends 474 a, 474 b, 476 a, and 476b into the cavities 470 a, 472 a, 470 b, and 472 b, respectively. Inparticular, the first threaded cavity 470 a is adapted to receive thefirst threaded end 474 a, the second threaded cavity 470 b is adapted toreceive the third threaded end 476 a, the third threaded cavity 472 a isadapted to receive the second threaded end 474 b, and the fourththreaded cavity 472 b is adapted to receive the fourth threaded end 476b.

As perhaps best shown in FIG. 27, the bar part 424 defines an opening480 and a notch 482. The opening 480 is sized and dimensioned to allowthe first side member 474 to pass therethrough during assembly of themain part 422, thereby rotatably attaching the bar part 424 to the mainpart 422. The notch 482 is sized and dimensioned to receive the secondside member 476 when the bar part 424 is in its engaged position.

The example rope control device 420 may be used in the same basic manneras the example rope control device 20 described above.

Referring now to FIG. 28 of the drawing, depicted at 520 therein isanother example rope control device constructed in accordance with, andembodying, the principles of the present invention. The rope controldevice 520 is an assembly comprising a main part 522 and a bar part 524.Like the bar part 24 described above, the bar part 524 is pivotablyconnected to the main part 522 for movement into and out of an engagedposition.

The example main part 522 is an assembly comprising a central portion530 defining a main opening 532 a and a secondary opening 532 b.However, like the main part 22 described above, the main part 522 may bemade of a single cast or milled piece. The example main part 522 furthercomprises first, second, third, and fourth projection portions 534 a,534 b, 534 c, and 534 d extending from the central portion 530. Thefirst and second projection portions 534 a and 534 b define a first endrecess 536 a, while the third and fourth projection portions 534 c and534 d and the main portion 530 define second and third end recesses 536b and 536 c.

The example rope control device 520 may be used in the same basic manneras the example rope control device 20 described above. In addition, theprovision of the secondary opening 532 b and the second and third endrecesses 536 b allow uses of the rope control device 520 in addition tothose allowed by the rope control device 20.

The scope of the present invention should thus be determined by claimsappended hereto and not the foregoing detailed description of theexample rope control device.

What is claimed is:
 1. A rope control device for controlling a rope,comprising: a central opening defined between two rigid elongate sidesand two bridges bridged between the two rigid elongated sides, whereinthe two rigid elongate sides are generally straight and parallel to eachother; a bar pivotally and slidably connected to one of the two rigidelongate sides and having a notch configured to engage the other of thetwo rigid elongate sides in a closed position, wherein the bar pivotsaway from the closed position to disengage from the other of the tworigid elongate sides, wherein the bar divides the central opening intofirst and second openings in the closed position, wherein the bar canslide toward and away from the two bridges to change the relative sizesof the first and second openings; first and second projections extendingaway from the central opening and away from a first one of the twobridges, the first and second projections having respective distal tipsseparated from each other to define a first rope inlet; third and fourthprojections extending away from the central opening and away from asecond one of the two bridges, the third and fourth projections havingrespective distal tips separated from each other to define a second ropeinlet; a first recess between the first and second projections; a secondrecess between the third and fourth projections; and friction surfaceswithin each of the first and second recesses.
 2. The rope control deviceas recited in claim 1, wherein the first, second, third, and fourthprojections extend beyond outer surfaces of the two rigid elongatesides.
 3. The rope control device as recited in claim 1, wherein the barincludes an intermediate rope control surface.
 4. The rope controldevice as recited in claim 1, wherein the bar is formed of a metal,plastic, composite, or combination thereof.
 5. The rope control deviceas recited in claim 1, wherein the two rigid elongate sides and the twobridges are formed of a metal, plastic, composite, or combinationthereof.
 6. The rope control device as recited in claim 1, wherein thefirst, second, third and fourth projections are formed of a metal,plastic, composite, or combination thereof.
 7. The rope control deviceas recited in claim 1, wherein the friction surfaces comprise first andsecond friction surfaces at proximal portions of the first and secondprojections and third and fourth friction surfaces at proximal portionsof the third and fourth projections.
 8. The rope control device asrecited in claim 1, wherein the friction surfaces are separated from thecentral opening by the two bridges.
 9. The rope control device asrecited in claim 1, wherein the friction surfaces are located atjunctures of the first and second projections and a first one of the twobridges and at junctures of the third and fourth projections with theother of the two bridges.
 10. The rope control device as recited inclaim 1, wherein the friction surfaces comprise curved frictionsurfaces.
 11. A rope control device for controlling a rope, comprising:a central opening defined between two rigid elongate sides and twobridges bridged between the two rigid elongated sides, wherein the tworigid elongate sides are generally straight and parallel to each other;a bar pivotally and slidably connected to one of the two rigid elongatesides and having a notch configured to engage the other of the two rigidelongate sides in a closed position, wherein the bar pivots away fromthe closed position to disengage from the other of the two rigidelongate sides, wherein the bar divides the central opening into firstand second openings in the closed position, wherein the bar can slidetoward and away from the two bridges to change the relative sizes of thefirst and second openings; at least one projection extending away fromthe central opening and away from one of the two bridges, the at leastone projection having a proximal portion and a distal tip; and at leastone friction surface at the proximal portion of the at least oneprojection.
 12. The rope control device as recited in claim 11, whereinthe at least one projection extends beyond an outer surface of one ofthe two rigid elongate sides.
 13. The rope control device as recited inclaim 11, wherein the bar includes an intermediate rope control surface.14. The rope control device as recited in claim 11, wherein the bar isformed of a metal, plastic, composite, or combination thereof.
 15. Therope control device as recited in claim 1, wherein the two rigidelongate sides and the two bridges are formed of a metal, plastic,composite, or combination thereof.
 16. The rope control device asrecited in claim 1, wherein the at least one projection is formed of ametal, plastic, composite, or combination thereof.
 17. The rope controldevice as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one friction surfaceis separated from the central opening by one of the two bridges.
 18. Therope control device as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least onefriction surface comprises a curved friction surface.